Tarptent Scarp 2 Tent Review

Although the Scarp 2 incorporates several weight-saving and space-making design elements to create a friendly, roomy, well ventilated, and stable tent for two campers, these benefits do not come without compromise.

Overall Rating: Recommended

Although the Scarp 2 incorporates several weight-saving and space-making design elements to create a friendly, roomy, well ventilated, and stable tent for two campers, these benefits do not come without compromise. The single lateral pole design provides minimal structure, and both sides of the tent body have a large unsupported area, so the Scarp 2 is not a true three-season tent capable of withstanding wet snow and occasional strong winds. It would be more accurate to call it an ultralight summer (one- or two-season) double-wall tent, and it’s a very good one at that. The fact that the Scarp 2 does not really stand out from the competition in my comparison table is another reason I withheld our Highly Recommended rating.

In its claimed “four-season” mode, the Scarp 2 is more accurately categorized as a three-season tent, capable of handling the variety of true three-season conditions that occur between the spring and winter solstice, including the occasional wet snowfall and shoulder season winds. In this mode, the Scarp 2 clearly has more compromises and limitations. While this version provides enhanced wind stability and resilience in a gentle snowfall, it is less capable of handling wind-driven snow or heavy snowfall. The same fly and top vents that provide excellent summer ventilation are a nemesis for winter camping because they allow wind-driven snow to enter. For “four-season” use, my rating is reduced to Average.

As a postscript, I would like to add that while conceptually a convertible three-season/four-season-tent is appealing and versatile, the implementation is very difficult without serious compromises, and the Scarp 2 is a good example. Possibilities going forth might include either (1) eliminating the four-season configuration of the Scarp 2 and offering it as a summer tent with two alternative interiors (mesh or solid nylon), or (2) keeping the four-season configuration (with the solid nylon interior and added cross poles for stability) and offering a specialized winter fly that excludes wind-driven snow and spindrift.

Introduction

The Tarptent Scarp 2 on a late winter visit to the alpine tundra in southern Colorado. The Scarp 2 is a two-person double-wall three-season tent weighing 3.25 pounds, or a winter-light four-season tent weighing 4.5 pounds, and it has two doors and two vestibules and loads of interior room.

Until recently, hikers looking for a really lightweight (around 3 pounds) two-person double-wall tent had to choose from a short list, namely the Big Sky International tents (Evolution, Convertible, Montana, and Revolution), Terra Nova Laser, and MSR Carbon Reflex 2. Selecting an ultralight double-wall tent can be frustrating, because in order to cut weight, some manufacturers have made compromises in tent size, fabrics, features, and durability. The addition of the new (May 2009) Tarptent Scarp 2 may make the selection a little easier because it has two doors with vestibules, loads of interior room, good ventilation, value pricing, and it weighs just 3.25 pounds. Is the Scarp 2 the new standout in this category, or does it have some limitations of its own?

Specifications

Year/Manufacturer/Model

2009 Tarptent Scarp 2

Style

Three- or four-season, two-person, double-wall tent with floor and two side entry doors with vestibules; freestanding in four-season configuration

Single lateral hoop pole, fly and interior pitch as one unit, two side entry doors with vestibules, two top vents, truncated ends with PitchLok corners, two mesh storage pockets, three- and four-season configurations

Design and Features

The Tarptent Scarp 2 incorporates some unique design characteristics to increase interior space and minimize weight. The tent is supported by one lateral hoop pole in the center that spans the living space plus two vestibules, and the ends of the tent are truncated by means of Tarptent's patent-pending PitchLoc corners and struts. These design elements are not totally new - Terra Nova, Exped, and Hilleberg use a single hoop pole in certain models - but the implementation is typical Tarptent ingenuity.

Another unique feature (for the US) is the Scarp double-wall tents pitch as one unit (interior plus fly), so setup is faster and dryer than the typical two-step setup of attaching poles to the inner tent then laying the fly over it. Further, the Scarp 2 is available with either an all mesh or a solid nylon interior, and exterior cross-poles are available to make the tent more wind stable and storm worthy for four-season use. Although none of these elements are new (except the PitchLoc corners), what is new is combining these space-making and weight-saving elements into one tent.

The Scarp 2 is available in three-season (top left and right) and four-season (bottom left and right) versions. The three-season version has a mesh interior and single hoop pole. The four-season version has a solid nylon interior and adds two exterior cross poles to tension the fly.

Some hikers prefer a solid nylon interior in a three-season tent, rather than a mesh interior (many Europeans do). There are several advantages: there's more privacy, it's warmer, and it sheds any condensation dripping from the fly. Opting for the solid nylon interior adds 2.5 ounces to the weight and US$20 to the cost.

Like the Big Sky International Convertible and Montana, the four-season version of the Tarptent Scarp 2 is rated for light-duty winter use, meaning it will withstand moderate winds and snow loads. It is not a bomber/alpine/expedition tent capable of withstanding extreme conditions. The advantage is light weight (4.5 pounds) and versatility. Many hikers want to go on an occasional winter camping trip in better weather to backcountry ski and experience the winter splendor, and a winter-light tent is a good choice for that situation.

Views of the Tarptent Scarp 2. The side view (top left) shows the single lateral ridge pole (in yellow sleeve) used in the three-season version. The end view (top right) shows the tent's PitchLok triangular corners and straps on the fly used to attach exterior cross poles for four-season use. The top view (bottom left) shows how effectively the exterior cross poles extend and tension the fly, and also shows the tent's dual top vents. A downward view (bottom left) shows the tent with the vestibules open.

Outside features. The ends of the tent are truncated (left) resulting in more usable inside space. Tarptent's new PitchLok corners (center) enable the truncated ends and add stability. They consist of carbon fiber struts inside a webbing sleeve and fold together for packing. The tent's two top vents (right) face opposite directions, and partially close with a clip and loop.

Inside features. Each vestibule (left) has 6 square feet of storage area, enough for a large pack, boots, and more. There are two small mesh pockets (center) at the head end that lie on the floor. Each vestibule door has a side-release buckle at the bottom (right) to relieve tension on the zipper.

Editor's Note: we are having technical difficulties getting our Flash player to work. To watch the video tour, please click the down arrow and watch in the new page, then go back in your browser to return to the article. We are working on this bug and hope to get it resolved soon. Thank you for your patience!

Performance

Setup is similar to the Tarptent Rainbow tents, except the hoop pole is lateral rather than longitudinal. Insert the pole into its sleeve and attach the ends to grommets, stake one end of the tent, stake the other end, then adjust stakes and tension. The center hoop pole extends and tensions the vestibules. I found the Scarp 2 a little fussier to adjust compared to other tents, but it has a total of ten Line-Lok tensioners to keep the tent taut.

The ergonomics and usable space of the Scarp 2 are excellent. The dual side entries make it very convenient for two people to inhabit the tent, and each person has his/her own vestibule for storage. When the vestibule doors are closed, the entry doors in the inner tent can be left open to incorporate the vestibules into the tent's usable space. And the Scarp has loads of usable space for two people: the floor is an honest 50 inches wide, the inside length is 86 inches, minimum height at the ends is 18 inches, and maximum height in the center is 45 inches. The Scarp is an excellent tent for tall hikers. My only complaint is the tent's design does not allow for large and convenient storage pockets; the Scarp 2 has only two small mesh pockets at the head end, and they are just big enough for a pair of glasses.

Late winter and spring is a good time for testing tents, because of the frequency of snow and wind storms. I tested the Scarp 2 in numerous storms, and found:

Without the exterior cross poles, the canopy compresses a lot with a coating of wet snow or a strong wind. It also flaps a lot in the wind.

With the exterior cross poles installed, the tent deflects snow and wind well.

The supplied Easton 8-inch tubular stakes hold well in soil, but they do not hold well in snow or sand. Specialized snow stakes are necessary for snow camping.

The PitchLok corners and cross poles have a tendency to pull the stakes out of the ground, especially in snow and sand, unless they are inserted at a 45 degree angle.

Wind-driven snow and rain can enter the tent through the top vents. There is no way to close them completely or adjust them from inside the tent.

The bottom of the fly is 6-8 inches above the ground. Sand and dust blow in during a desert windstorm, and spindrift comes in during a windy snowstorm. A fly with snow flaps is not available for winter camping, but it helps to pile snow around the perimeter of the tent to reduce spindrift.

The nylon interior is essential for snow camping. It prevents spindrift from entering the interior living space, and retains heat. I measured a 15 F inside/outside temperature difference one cold morning.

When not in use, the straps on the fly used to connect the cross poles blow around in the wind and abrade the silnylon fly. I recommend removing them to save 0.5 ounce and eliminate their flapping around.

The inner tent is not tensioned very much because it basically hangs from the fly. This creates a lot of space between the inner tent and fly (6-10 inches) for good ventilation.

The Scarp is well ventilated due to its raised fly, abundant air space between the inner tent and fly, and two top vents. On a windy night, a breeze circulates through the tent, but the mesh interior does a good job of minimizing it, and the nylon interior provides even more protection.

Because of the Scarp's corner and end struts (total of 10) the tent can't be stuffed, rather its best to gather the struts at each end, fold the tent body to their length (18 inches), roll it up, and insert it into the stuff sack.

Without the exterior cross poles, a small amount of wet snow really compresses the tent's canopy (left). With the cross poles installed, dry snow readily slides off (center). The vestibules are raised 7.5 inches off the ground, so snow comes in at the bottom (right).

the PitchLok corners and exterior cross poles have a tendency to pull stakes out of snow and sand (left), so it's important to use long stakes and drive them in at a 45 degree angle. The Scarp has a 6-10 inch air space between the inner tent and fly (center), which helps ventilation. Dust and pollen stick to the silnylon fly (right), which is true for any silnylon tent.

The Scarp 2 can be pitched with the fly and poles only to create a very roomy single wall floorless tent weighing 2 pounds 6.6 ounces. I tested the fly-only configuration on one trip, by myself, and found it big enough to sleep three people! The raised sidewalls allow breezes (and bugs) to pass through the tent.

The Scarp 2 has excellent ventilation, consisting of raised sidewalls, a large space between the inner tent and fly, and two top vents. I experienced little or no condensation in the Scarp 2 when there was some air movement. However, I still had heavy condensation on the inside of the fly on several occasions (a calm, still night with a large temperature drop), which is normal. Many people prefer a double-wall tent because it "eliminates the condensation problem". That's a myth. A double-wall tent's insulating air space avoids the formation of condensation to some extent, but there are still many occasions when condensation forms on the inside of the fly. The inner tent provides a buffer from direct contact with the condensation (which is nice), but you still pack up a wet tent in the morning.

Assessment

How does the new Scarp 2 compare with the competition? I assembled the following table to provide some comparative specifications. For a fair comparison, all of the tents listed are three-season, two-person, double-wall, with aluminum poles (except the MSR Carbon Reflex 2, which does not have an aluminum pole option), and weigh less than 3.5 pounds.

Tent

Mfr. Total Weight

Floor Area (ft2)

Number of Doors

Number of Vestibules

Vestibule Area (ft2)

Floor Dimensions and Height (WxLxH)

MSRP (US$)

Terra Nova Laser

2 lb 12 oz

20.7

1

1

8

35x88x37

420

MSR Carbon Reflex 2

3 lb 4 oz

23.3

1

2

14

40x84x40

500

Big Sky International Evolution 2P

3 lb 0.1 oz

32.7

2

2

16.8

56/46x84x42

372

Big Sky International Convertible 2P

3 lb 4.4 oz

32.7

2

2

16.8

56/46x84x42

390

Big Sky International Montana 2P

2 lb 10.1 oz

32.7

1

2

16.8

56/46x84x42

350

Big Sky International Revolution 2P

3 lb 0.9 oz

32.7

2

2

16.8

56/46x84x42

372

Tarptent Scarp 2

3 lb 6 oz

31

2

2

12

50x86x45

325

Some highlights from the information in the table:

The floor area of the Terra Nova and MSR tents is small and the cost is high.

The Terra Nova Laser is definitely the lightest, but the interior is rather cramped and it has only one vestibule.

The Big Sky International tents are a bit lighter than the Tarptent Scarp 2, and have a little more floor area and much more vestibule area.

The Tarptent Scarp 2 holds its own compared to the competition. It costs a little less, but it's also a bit smaller than the Big Sky tents and weighs a little more.

The closest comparison is between the Tarptent Scarp 2 and the Big Sky International Convertible 2P, because both tents set up as one unit and have three-season and four-season versions. The differences are in the details. The Convertible has four large mesh storage pockets, uses two poles in an X-pattern, has larger vestibules, and costs $45 more, but it's available with only one fly with snow flaps. The Scarp 2 has two small pockets, uses one lateral hoop pole plus ten struts, has smaller vestibules, costs less, and also is available with only one fly that has attachments for external cross poles. Both tents have two top vents. The Scarp 2's longer length and truncated ends give lots of interior headroom, but the Convertible has steep endwalls and also has good headroom. There is no clear standout in this comparison, and the final choice depends on user preferences.

In my opinion, the Scarp 2 is an excellent choice for a three-season tent, but I have a few reservations about it in four-season mode. The attachment of the exterior cross-poles is a bit funky and time consuming (but they work well). I asked Henry Shires at Tarptent about the possibility of using clips instead of the tie-down straps, and he explained that he tried hard to develop a clip attachment (which would be faster), but it simply didn't work out. Another issue is the large gap under the fly, which is an asset for three-season use, but allows snow to come into the vestibules when snow camping. The only solution I can suggest is to pile snow around the perimeter of the tent, as needed, to keep wind-driven snow out of the vestibules. Finally, there's little that can be done to prevent wind-driven snow from entering the tent through the top vents (except for stuffing something into the vent to seal it, or orienting the tent sideways into the wind, which is not recommended).

I personally like the Scarp 2 with the nylon interior. It weighs 2.5 ounces more, but it retains heat when cold weather camping, and it sheds condensation and spindrift. Another advantage of choosing the nylon interior for three-season use is that it only requires the addition of the exterior cross-poles (US$30) to have the versatility of a three-season or four-season tent.

Hows this tent a year after last comment.Any improvements or changes to note?The fly reaches the ground now as per the website pix.The weights of tent in review are less than on TT website so that good.I am seriously thinking of getting this tent for myself and my dog.

I wonder if the reviewer would re-review the S2, as I think many of the issues raised have been rectified? Is this not now a highly commended tent and if not why not?The fly is lower.The vents appear to have velcro to close them.

5. snap closure for end vent zipers to prevent opening under wind/snow pressure

6. coated the top 2/3 of the fly with a 5:1 ratio of odorless mineral spirits to clear GE silicone caulk and wiped down the excess with a paper shop towel. This is mainly to pevent the rumored "mist-thru" in torrential rains. Naturally I've seam sealed it on both sides.

With all of these mods taken as a whole I feel my personal Scarp 2 is now completely winter worthy. I've tested it in wind gusts officially recorded up to 65 mph. and found NO flapping or pole deformation when properly pitched, staked and guyed. Any reservations regarding canopy support Will Reitveld had in his review are well founded, as his photos show. I think my mods answer Will's concerns and then some. And, yes, my Scarp 2 came with the new, lower fly that goes to the ground.

BTW, I talked to Henry Shires as he looked at my mod photos online and he was "interested" in them. He has my written blessings to use any and all of my mods as he sees fit.